Policy Research Fellow

The Association of People with Disability; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 301,000 - 368,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel support

Dual mentorship

Capacity building

Fellowship certificate

Professional network

Job summary

The Association of People with Disability invites applications for a one-year, full-time Policy Research Fellowship, conducted with AYJNISHD and DEPwD. The program blends field research across India with mentorship and policy advocacy training.

You will undertake literature reviews, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and evidence generation to inform policy recommendations supporting PwD rights and services; the fellowship concludes with a research report and dissemination events.

Qualifications

• A student enrolled in a masters program, postgraduate student from any discipline (including final year)
• An early-career professional with an interest in research and public policy.
• Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference during the selection process.
• Candidates with prior research, fieldwork or lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Undertake policy-relevant research on hearing, language and speech disabilities.
• Conduct literature reviews, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement to generate evidence.
• Develop policy recommendations to inform policy and practice and support advocacy.
• Prepare a research report and participate in dissemination, mentorship, and reviews.

Job description

The Association of People with Disability | Full time

This Policy Research Fellowship is a one-year, full-time fellowship jointly implemented by The Association of People with Disability (APD) and Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

Policy research on persons with disability involves studying how laws, government schemes and institutional practices affect PwD’s access to rights and services, then producing evidence-based recommendations to make policies more inclusive. This could mean researching a specific issue, for example, "Access to Legal Interpretation Services for Deaf Persons in Indian Courts" by reviewing existing legal provisions, interviewing Deaf individuals and court officials about real barriers they face, comparing India's practices with international standards like the UNCRPD, and producing a policy brief with concrete recommendations (such as mandating certified sign language interpreters in courts). Such research directly feeds into advocacy, giving organizations like APD and AYJNISHD evidence-based tools to push for policy change, funding shifts, or new guidelines. It aims to support emerging researchers in conducting such policy-relevant research on issues affecting persons with hearing, language and speech disabilities while building their skills in research, advocacy, and leadership.

Themes:

• Policy Implementation and Governance
• Access to Quality Services and Rehabilitation
• Inclusive Education, Employment and Social Protection
• Technology, Innovation and Digital Inclusion
• Community Participation, Rights and Advocacy
• Evidence Generation for Policy and Systems Strengthening

Structure:

The fellowship will run for one year in a full-time hybrid mode, with field-based research across different regions of India. Fellows will be supported by dedicated mentors from AYJNISHD and APD, who will provide technical guidance throughout the programme.

The fellowship will begin with an induction and capacity-building programme covering research methodology, disability policy, advocacy and leadership. Fellows will then undertake policy-relevant research in the domain of hearing, language and speech disabilities, including literature review, fieldwork, stakeholder engagement and evidence generation. Regular mentor check-ins, monthly progress reviews, and a mid-year review will support fellows throughout the research process. The programme will conclude with the submission of a research report, policy recommendations and evidence-based advocacy activities. Fellows will present their findings at a closing event, where research outputs will be disseminated and receive fellowship certification.

• 2. Field Engagement
• 3. Policy Research
• 4. Capacity Building

Selection Process

Application Deadline: 21 October 2026

• 1. Written Application Review - Applications will be reviewed based on the Statement of Purpose, proposed research topic, and its relevance to the fellowship.
• 2. Round 1 Interview - Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their research interests, experience and proposed approach.
• 3. Final Round Interview - Finalists will meet with the selection panel for a detailed discussion before the final selection.
• 4. Final Selection - Six fellows will be selected to join the fellowship.

Schedule:

• August - September 2026: Applications Open
• 21 October 2026: Application Deadline
• October 2026: Selection Process (Application Review & Interviews)
• November 2026: Fellowship Begins & Induction Programme
• December 2026: Research Proposal & Literature Review
• January - June 2027: Field Research & Monthly Mentorship
• May 2027: Mid-Year Review
• July - August 2027: Research Report Writing
• September - October 2027: Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
• November 2027: Final Presentations & Assessment
• December 2027: Fellowship Closure & Certification

Requirements

• A student enrolled in a masters program, postgraduate student from any discipline (including students in their final year)
• An early-career professional with an interest in research and public policy.
• Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference during the selection process.
• Candidates with prior research, fieldwork or lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.

• Monthly Stipend - Rs 30,000 per month
• Travel Support - Reimbursement for local travel and approved field visits
• Dual Mentorship - Guidance from experts at AYJNISHD and APD
• Capacity Building - Training in research, advocacy, and leadership
• Professional Network - Connect with researchers, practitioners, government, and civil society
• Policy Impact - Develop evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and practice
• Fellowship Certificate - Certification upon successful completion of the programme